Confessions of a Dangerous Mind Review
by Bob Bloom (bobbloom AT iquest DOT net)January 23rd, 2003
CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND (2002) 3 1/2 stars out of 4. Starring Drew Barrymore, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Sam Rockwell and Rutger Hauer. Music by Alex Wurman. Based on the book by Chuck Barris. Screenplay by Charlie Kaufman. Directed by George Clooney. Rated R. Running time: 113 mins.
The scintillating aspect of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is trying to discern fact from fiction - or at least fantasy.
This quirky, comedic opus follows the outlines of the autobiography of Chuck Barris, creator of such low-caliber TV shows as The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game and, most infamously, The Gong Show.
In his book, Barris claims he also had a sideline - hit man for the CIA, carrying out dozens of assassinations for the spy agency.
Now, how much of this is true and how much is a major huckster merely pulling the leg of a gullible audience is difficult to say.
After all, it's not easy trusting the word of an individual who created TV shows that appealed to the lowest common denominator and who convinced - easily, I may add - thousands of people to appear on TV for the express purpose of humiliating themselves in front of millions of viewers.
But screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) and first-time director George Clooney appear to have taken Barris at his word.
Luckily, though, they've created a surrealistic landscape that allows the viewer the freedom of accepting Barris' claims as fact or as either hallucinations of a disturbed brain or the hype of a topnotch con artist.
One hint that all is not as it seems is the use of a musical motif that sounds very close to the theme from the late James Coburn spy spoof, Our Man Flint.
Another device Clooney uses is a liberal dose of close-ups, especially of Sam Rockwell, who portrays Barris.
Rockwell, in his first starring role after years of able support in such films as Heist, The Green Mile, Galaxy Quest and Charlie's Angels, brings a roguish boyishness to his Barris, that gradually grows into a weary cynicism as the game-show creator fights to escape his dark other life.
The devil must be given his due, as Barris speaks honestly of himself: "My name is Charles Hirsch Barris. I have written pop songs. I have been a television producer. I am responsible for polluting the airwaves with mindnumbing puerile entertainment. In addition, I have murdered thirty-three human beings."
How more honest can you get?
Clooney appears as Barris' spy boss, while Julia Roberts portrays a fellow spy who, like Barris, may not be all that she seems.
Drew Barrymore plays Barris' longtime girlfriend, later wife, whose patience and frustration are continually taxed during her long-term relationship with her mystery man.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is an interesting excursion, a funhouse experience that will leave you gasping and laughing as you try to separate fact from fiction. But don't bother — just go along for the ride and enjoy.
Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, IN. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or at [email protected]. Other reviews by Bloom can be found at www.jconline.com by clicking on movies.
Bloom's reviews also appear on the Web at the Rottentomatoes Web site, www.rottentomatoes.com and at the Internet Movie Database:
http://www.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Bob+Bloom
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